Michael and Becca

It was March of 2007, and Michael Krejci was playing Nashville’s famed 3rd & Lindsley promoting the release of his debut solo album, Out of the Blue. In the front sat a beautiful brunette – Becca Hadzor – contemplating whether or not she should work up the nerve and introduce herself after the show. For their sake, she did, and although her attempt to purchase a CD was denied, her complimentary copy of Out of the Blue was indeed put to good use. For the past three years Becca has lent ...

It was March of 2007, and Michael Krejci was playing Nashville’s famed 3rd & Lindsley promoting the release of his debut solo album, Out of the Blue. In the front sat a beautiful brunette – Becca Hadzor – contemplating whether or not she should work up the nerve and introduce herself after the show. For their sake, she did, and although her attempt to purchase a CD was denied, her complimentary copy of Out of the Blue was indeed put to good use. For the past three years Becca has lent her signature harmonies to those very songs she first heard Michael sing, an unselfish feat considering several of them reference ex-girlfriends and forthright heartbreak… but after all, it is country music. Fast-forward to July 6th, 2010 and the release of the Nashville-based duo’s debut album, Lovesick— a poignant collection of lyrical artistry and impacting melodies that shows these two may not only be meant for one another, but also meant to sing together. “Lovesick captures the dynamic vocal blend and charismatic delivery so many audiences have acknowledged and definitively admired” The full-length, ten song debut features all-new original music including seven tracks written or co-written by Michael, this time, reflecting upon a new found spirit of love, and loss. “After Out of the Blue, I had no choice but to pen a few love songs about Becca for this record,” he exclaims. “And while I may have owed it to her, these pretty much wrote themselves.” Michael’s poignant lyrics reveal not only his adoration for his singing partner, but also the delicacy of relationships in general, whether it’s a girlfriend and boyfriend, husband and wife, or father and son. A powerful example is “Get Through,” the imagery-laden, leadoff radio single that reflects upon the trials and tribulations of everyday life overcome by the bond of human relationships. While Lovesick reflects the more Americana side of country music, “Love Out of Left Field” surfaces as the most commercial-sounding track, easily imagined on more contemporary radio or even over the loudspeakers at a ballgame. It’s a song that acknowledges Michael and Becca’s first “official” date and subsequent “honeymoon” phase. Michael’s lyrics draw on descriptive comparisons and anecdotal metaphors, not to mention a dose of his favorite past time (baseball), to get his point across. And for anyone who is familiar with Out of the Blue, they ought to get a kick out of the title-track of Lovesick, a country-blues number that pays homage to Michael’s solo record and past love life (or lack thereof). Despite not often crediting herself as a songwriter, Becca was the unlikely collaborator of “Lovesick,” wittingly contributing to the lyrics and undoubtedly getting the last laugh. “It was at Jim ’N Nicks BBQ in Nashville, TN where I brought the idea, literally, ‘to the table.’ I’d come up with this concept for “Lovesick,” sort of a play on the whole ‘heartbreak’ thing from Michael’s last record as well as the other side of it; the falling in love part we tend to reference a lot (which some people may be sick of hearing about by now!). Nevertheless, it definitely shows up in our music and Lovesick seemed to be the perfect fit for a title; and the song was actually written on a napkin in about 30 minutes!” Becca’s lead vocals also shine on “Love Again,” a remorseful Alison Krauss-like gem written by Michael and fellow Nashville artist Sara Kelley, as well as a countrified version of alt-country guitar slinger, Tim Carroll’s “If I Could,” featuring guest fiddle/mandolin player, Andy Leftwich (Ricky Skaggs/Kentucky Thunder). If there’s an early fan-favorite on the album, it’s “Love of My Life,” a touching ode documenting the couple’s long-distance correspondence with one another. Michael reminisces, “After our first date, Becca went over to Europe for a three week vacation she had planned with her family. It was the longest three weeks of my life! But the emails we sent to one another will forever hold a special place in our hearts and be cemented in song.” “It’s twelve o’clock where I am, it’s seven where you lay. You’re probably just waking up, I’m hittin’ the hay. Driftin’ off to dream and hoping that you’re there, maybe we’ll meet in Venice at St. Mark’s Square” The duo also honors the late Eddie Rabbitt with an authentic interpretation of his classic, “Drivin My Life Away,” along with a song that has always been a fan-favorite, “Wagon Wheel,” popularized by The Old Crow Medicine Show ( with choruses originally penned by Bob Dylan and verses later expanded upon by OCMS’s Ketch Secor). Although Lovesick brings to life the reality of love and the transparency of two characters, it also portrays an open minded, musical spirit. Whether you call it “Americana,” “Country,” or “Folk-Rock,” it’s just good music. It’s melodic, it’s passionate, it’s lyrical, and it’s well-produced. Distinguished Nashville Recording Engineer, Marc Lacuesta (Kenny Rogers, Jim Lauderdale), discerns that “cutting through all the bells and whistles of the one hit wonders that march in and out of the factories on Seventeenth Avenue, Michael and Becca have crafted a great album, a straightforward yet graceful debut with unique songs and honest voices that honor the legendary country icons that preceded them.” With a knack for songwriting, a love for harmony, and a genuine appreciation for storytelling, Michael and Becca prove to be a recognizable force in today’s ever-challenging music landscape. They continue to carve out their own path song by song, city by city, and whether they’re performing as an acoustic-duo or backed by a full band, be sure to stop and take a listen. You’ll be glad you did.